This is how you get really smooth, lovely satin stitches. Outline in split or chain stitch, fill in the area with chain or long & short stitches, and then do the satin stitch. The underlying stitches support the satin stitch and help it to lay smoothly.

This is how you get really smooth, lovely satin stitches. Outline in split or chain stitch, fill in the area with chain or long & short stitches, and then do the satin stitch. The underlying stitches support the satin stitch and help it to lay smoothly.

whipped spiderweb The cool thing about this flower is that each spoke is not just a straight stitch, it is a long and skinny chain stitch. Once the whipping is done, the sides of each chain are pulled together to form the diamonds at the top.

Bullion knot stitch Di van Niekerk Bullion knot stitch, more prominent than a French knot, is most effective when you require a dense, rounded petal or stamen. Use one stitch for a single stamen or work them close together to form rosettes.